Life of the St.Lawrence

Deep like the sea, flowing along in a steady current, rich in history, diverse wildlife, and mystery, the St. Lawrence River has shaped Québec’s land and culture. It widens east of Québec City and mixes with seawater, forming a unique marine ecosystem of islands for camping and hiking, beaches for sunbathing, and plants and trees that fill the air with their fragrance. At once a river, an estuary and a gulf, the St. Lawrence is home to belugas, blue whales, humpbacks, dolphins and seals, making it a highlight for many visitors. Go kayaking, diving or sailing, or hop on one of 150 cruise ships that crisscross the entire St. Lawrence—it’s the perfect way to gain a new perspective of Québec, admire its riverside landscapes and see marine birds and mammals up close.

Named by Jacques Cartier on the feast day of Saint Lawrence

13 species of whales

1,197 km long

Soak in all the sights

It’s not every day you get to speak whale
Kayaking with whales

Let go and get with the flow in the St. Lawrence River, one of the world’s rare river playgrounds. Grab a kayak. Blue whales, humpbacks, dolphins and friendly belugas—they’re a splash hit with both locals and visitors.

Surf the Lachine rapids
Parc-des-Rapides surfing

Brave the waves of the Lachine Rapids. It’s river surfing like you’ve never experienced—right in the heart of the city. And because the waves are stationary, you and your fellow surfers will always be on the same wavelength.

A dream getaway for light sleepers
Lighthouses on the river

Who hasn’t wanted to sleep in a lighthouse? This is your chance to shine a new light on what was once the saviour of many a ship. Choose from three lighthouses: Pot à l’Eau-de-Vie, Île Verte, and l’Île aux Perroquets.